The marine industry is a highly competitive marketplace. Each year, thousands of vessels cross the oceans, delivering cargo across the planet. And each vessel requires a specific level of technology and engineering to operate safely and efficiently.
By installing motors and generators in marine vessels, BWTS is gaining popularity in designing and installing electrical automation systems. The reason is that it forms an excellent tool for controlling the various onboard mechanical systems like pumps, motors etc. It helps to troubleshoot faults and rectify them at the earliest possible time. But before starting a job of such sort, you must be very careful about its installation process and related plan.
Ballast water is used by large ships to provide stability, but carrying around all that fluid presents an issue- namely, the ballast water contains small organisms such as plankton, aquatic invertebrates, fish larvae and pathogens. In order to preserve the equilibrium of the ecosystem (as well as recent restrictions), ship operators need to make sure they’re taking care of their ballast water so it remains free from bacteria and other harmful agents.
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DIFFERENT TYPES OF BALLAST WATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS (BWTS)
Most Ballast Water Treatment Systems involve a two-step process. First, Mechanical Separation; then Physical or Chemical Treatment. There are two popular technologies for these systems – the Ultra Violet (UV) system uses physical UV radiation as second-stage treatment. In contrast, the Electro-Chlorination (EC) system injects a chemical ‘active substance’ to inactivate biological organisms. In both cases, all ballast water treatments usually involve a filtering process before they’re done being treated.
 ULTRAVIOLET (UV) SYSTEMS FOR BALLAST WATER TREATMENT
A UV ballast water management system is a very robust solution for those concerned about managing their ballast tanks. It has two stages which include filtering and the use of ultra-violet radiation (UV). This process can be utilized under all operating conditions and environments – making it an efficient solution to many problems.
UV system uses no chemicals whatsoever, it is easy to implement, use and maintain. This UV system doesn’t require any chemical or active ingredients. It is simple to use and maintain and has been approved by the latest international marine codes. There are two types of this device – one for installation in engine rooms which will function properly even if there are hazardous materials present, and another that can be used anywhere on board without causing explosions.
This device can be installed either in engine rooms or volatile regions on large ships such as oil tankers; all without risking hazmat vessels or its crewmembers who are exposed to toxic fumes at work within these given sectors. Water treatment with intensive UV light is an environmentally-friendly treatment method.
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BENEFITS OF UV TREATMENTS
- Fast, efficient and economical technology
- Simple to handle with low maintenance
- Eco-friendly, safe and chemical-free process
- No transport, storage and handling of dangerous goods
- No environmental impact
ELECTRO-CHLORINATION (EC) SYSTEMS FOR BALLAST WATER TREATMENT
There are two methods that EC Systems use to treat ballast water (i) Full Flow system and (ii) Slip – Stream System.
FULL FLOW SYSTEM
In full-flow systems, the filter and electrolyser unit is fitted into direct contact with the main ballast line. While it seems like an efficient design at first glance, one can’t deny that it has its disadvantages: namely how both of these pieces need to be placed between where the ballast pumps or tubes connect to the ballast tank – often meaning installation in a space limited area such as pump rooms.
When installing a whole-flow system requires extensive welding work or else things will just go haywire; This isn’t ideal because anytime sparks fly anywhere near an area with a high concentration of flammable materials – for example, around a boiler – there is a risk of something terrible happening.
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SLIPSTREAM SYSTEM
In a slip-stream electro chlorination approach, the sodium hypochlorite is generated in-situ (on-site), from a different source of saline water, requiring less than 1% of the main ballast flow for the electro chlorination process.
Electro chlorination via sodium hypochlorite on-site generation for water treatment is not only effective but also cost-efficient, reliable and safe. On-site generated sodium hypochlorite is stable and easy to feed; additionally, less chlorine is lost to the atmosphere because of better mixing and retention in treated water.
You can use any flow of saline water. While the equipment needs to be located in an area where there are no hazardous environments, once you inject sodium hypochlorite into the main ballast water system next door through small pipelines.
The slipstream system does not eliminate hot work in the pump room – but it definitely lessens it. Filter installation can remove zooplankton, some phytoplankton and sediment (but not all of them) from the water; reducing your workload within the area of the vessel significantly.
BENEFITS OF ELECTRO CHLORINATION SYSTEM
- Low operating costs
- On-demand sodium hypochlorite production
- No handling or transportation of hazardous materials
- Easy operation
BWTS (Ballast Water Treatment Systems) has become a strong necessity in the shipping industry due to the increasing worldwide regulations related to ballast water. The advantages of filters like BWTS can be clearly seen in their application areas. Mainly because of its low to high-temperature resistance and especially its failure-free operation under heavy-corrosive surroundings, the users are exposed to very fewer or no dangers in the marine industry while on board a ship or a boat.